France

ENGIE secures 31GWh/year of biomethane from CVE Biogaz in Ludres

ENGIE signs a 15-year agreement with CVE Biogaz for the purchase of biomethane produced in Ludres, under the Biogas Production Certificates mechanism, marking a structuring step for the sector's development in France.

France slows emissions reduction with only 0.8% drop expected in 2025

Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.

France launches public debate on radioactive waste management until February

A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
en_1140121052540

Engie and Masdar secure 1.5 GW solar project in Abu Dhabi

The consortium led by Engie and Masdar has been selected to develop a 1.5 GW photovoltaic plant in Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding the emirate’s solar capacity under its long-term energy strategy.

EBRD and Qair in talks for €19mn financing of 100 MW solar plant in Gafsa

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reviewing a loan for a 100 MW photovoltaic project led by Qair in Tunisia, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with the national utility.

Gauss Fusion unveils Europe’s first industrial design for a fusion power plant

Gauss Fusion has released a full-scale plan for GIGA, its first commercial fusion power plant, amid Germany’s growing ambition to lead the future energy race.
en_1140101071540

Bercy veto blocks ABB’s attempt to acquire Legrand

ABB made several attempts to acquire Legrand, but the French government opposed the deal, citing strategic concerns linked to data centres.

Launch of a €400,000 local fundraising campaign for a wind farm in Brittany

Wpd launches a crowdfunding campaign to support the construction of the Bréhand wind farm, aiming to raise €400,000 from residents with a fixed annual interest rate of 7%.

CVE installs 140 kWc agrivoltaic demonstrator on cattle farm

French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
en_1140101079540

EDF lowers expected output of Flamanville EPR to 1,585 MW

EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.

French electricity pricing reform raises concerns over increased consumer exposure

A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.

Air Liquide invests $50mn to expand its hydrogen network in Texas

Air Liquide announces a $50mn investment to strengthen its hydrogen network on the US Gulf Coast, following long-term contracts signed with two major American refiners.
en_114081035540

Brussels moves forward with plan to eliminate Russian oil and gas imports by 2028

Ambassadors of European Union member states have approved the transmission of a legislative proposal to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by January 2028 to the Council of Ministers.

France blocks Aquind’s €1.4bn power link project across the Channel

The Seine-Maritime prefecture denies Aquind access to public maritime domain, halting a €1.4bn ($1.47bn) Franco-British power interconnection project.

Denmark strengthens maritime controls at Skagen Strait amid Russian shadow fleet activity

Denmark is intensifying inspections of ships passing through Skagen, a strategic point linking the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, to counter the risks posed by the Russian shadow fleet transporting sanctioned oil.
en_114071059540

TotalEnergies appoints Nicola Mavilla as global head of exploration

Nicola Mavilla succeeds Kevin McLachlan as TotalEnergies' Director of Exploration, bringing over two decades of international experience in the oil and gas industry.

VSB France launches 39.9 MW wind farm in Calvados

VSB France begins construction of its largest onshore wind project, a strategic 39.9 MW investment across two municipalities in Calvados, with commissioning scheduled for 2027.

TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires launch a platform to equip local authorities

TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires create a joint venture to accelerate the rollout of public electric charging infrastructure in French municipalities, with a focus on urban and suburban areas.
en_114071092540

Lesaffre harnesses waste heat to strengthen its industrial energy autonomy

Lesaffre and ENGIE Solutions have inaugurated a waste heat recovery unit in Marcq-en-Barœul, covering 70% of the site's thermal needs through two industrial heat pumps.

EDF power solutions commissions 30 MW biomass plant in Colombia

EDF power solutions and Refocosta have inaugurated Colombia’s largest wood biomass power plant in Villanueva, with 30 MW of capacity and an annual output of 200 GWh injected into the national grid.

Air Liquide records a net profit of €3.31 billion in 2024 #

Air Liquide has announced a 7.4% increase in its net profit for 2024, reaching €3.31 billion. Despite a 2% decline in revenue, the group is relying on improved operating margins and strategic investments to strengthen its market growth. #

EDF’s EPR2 reactor cost estimate delayed by several months

The full assessment of costs and timeline for the construction of six EPR2 reactors by EDF has been delayed by several months, according to a source close to the electricity provider.

Imerys aims for green light on lithium pilot plant before summer

Industrial minerals group Imerys plans to approve the investment for a lithium ore processing pilot plant in Échassières before summer 2025. Meanwhile, the company is seeking industrial and financial partners to support this strategic project.
en_1140290946540-14

European Partnerships: Hexana, Tractebel, Blykalla, and Newcleo Accelerate Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor Development

Hexana and Tractebel form a strategic alliance to support the development of a sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor. Meanwhile, Blykalla and Newcleo collaborate on material research for lead-cooled reactors.

Hyvia, Renault’s hydrogen joint venture, placed in liquidation

Hyvia, Renault's hydrogen utility vehicle joint venture, has been placed in liquidation due to the slow adoption of the market and the high development costs associated with hydrogen technologies.

Orano envisages a long and uncertain restart for its uranium mine in Niger

The Orano group faces a difficult restart of its mining operations in Niger after losing control of its subsidiaries. The restart of the Somaïr mine could take nearly two years due to political tensions with the local junta.
en_1140290946540-13

Schneider Electric Posts Record Profits in 2024 Driven by Energy Transition and Data Centres

Schneider Electric announced exceptional financial results for 2024, driven by strong demand in energy management and data centre sectors, despite a decline in its industrial automation business.

French Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against TotalEnergies Over Climate Crisis

The lawsuit filed by three NGOs and eight plaintiffs accusing TotalEnergies of involuntary manslaughter and harm to biodiversity has been dismissed by the French judiciary, citing insufficient evidence of infractions.

Nexans Reaps the Dividends of Its Electrification Strategy

Nexans, a major player in cable production, benefits from strong demand linked to infrastructure electrification, contributing to the growth of its financial results.
en_1140290944540-12

Orano Records a Record Annual Profit

Orano reports a threefold increase in annual profit, driven by strong Japanese demand and rising uranium prices. The company benefits from a robust recovery in its uranium supply contracts.

Lénéo to launch biogas production at the former Tereos distillery in Morains

Lénéo, a major player in the energy sector, has announced a biogas production project at the former Tereos distillery site in Morains, a development that meets the growing demand for renewable energy.

Fusion Energy: A Record Plasma Duration Set in France

French researchers have achieved a new milestone in fusion experiments by recording a world record for plasma confinement duration, a crucial step toward harnessing fusion energy.
en_1140290957540-12

Siemens Gamesa invests €200 million in Le Havre to counter China

Siemens Gamesa announces a €200 million investment to expand its Le Havre factory. The goal: to produce longer and more powerful wind turbine blades to remain competitive against China, the global leader in the sector.

France Becomes Europe’s Leading Hub for Russian LNG Despite Restrictions

France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.

Paris Advocates for a European Bank to Finance Industrial Decarbonization

France proposes the creation of a European Decarbonization and Electrification Bank to support industrial companies facing the costs of energy transition. The project, backed by Bercy, aims for long-term financing and will be discussed at upcoming European Council meetings.
en_1140290961540-9

French government confirms the maintenance of regulated electricity tariffs

Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.

Veolia partners with Adnoc to optimize water management in the Emirates

Veolia has signed an agreement with Emirati oil company Adnoc to streamline water consumption at its industrial sites. This strategic partnership aims to improve resource management and aligns with the French group’s expansion strategy in the Middle East.

TotalEnergies and ENI Secure a Strategic Gas Agreement Between Cyprus and Egypt

TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.
en_1140290946540-11

France: Corruption and Illegal Agreements: The Electricity Market in Réunion Under Investigation

A network of anti-competitive agreements and corruption surrounding electrification in Réunion is bringing eight individuals and two companies to trial in May. Practices that distorted public tenders have already led to several convictions and financial penalties.

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide invest one billion euros in hydrogen in the Netherlands

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide are strengthening their partnership in hydrogen in the Netherlands with the construction of two large-capacity electrolyzers. The investment exceeds one billion euros and aims to supply petrochemical platforms with decarbonized hydrogen.